Credit: Inside the MagicWater parks at Walt Disney World Resort have operated on seasonal schedules for decades, with the alternating closure strategy ensuring at least one facility remains available to guests year-round while allowing necessary maintenance and refurbishment work on the other.
This operational model reflects both practical considerations and strategic planning, balancing guest demand across different seasons while managing the intensive upkeep requirements that water attractions demand. The approach has served Disney well through changing tourism patterns and evolving guest expectations, though it requires careful communication to visitors who may arrive expecting both facilities to be operating simultaneously. Understanding Disney’s water park calendar has become increasingly important for vacation planning, particularly as Walt Disney World Resort has grown into a destination where families regularly spend entire weeks rather than just a day or two.
The seasonal closure pattern means that guests visiting during certain windows will have access to only one water park option, which can significantly impact itinerary planning for families who prioritize aquatic experiences or who have strong preferences between the two distinctly themed facilities. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer unique experiences and attractions, making the choice between them more than just a matter of convenience but rather a decision that shapes the character of a Disney vacation.
Typhoon Lagoon closed February 14, 2026, for its annual seasonal refurbishment, while Blizzard Beach reopened February 15 following its own maintenance period. The alternating schedule means Blizzard Beach will serve as Walt Disney World’s only operating water park through mid-May, when both facilities will resume simultaneous operations for the busy summer season.
The Seasonal Water Park Rotation
Disney World has maintained an alternating water park closure schedule for years, with each facility closing for several months annually to undergo necessary maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments. The strategy ensures at least one water park remains available to guests throughout the year while allowing Disney to address wear and tear that accumulates from constant operation.
Typhoon Lagoon’s closure period runs from February 15 through May 11, 2026, with the park scheduled to reopen May 12. During this window, Blizzard Beach handles all water park demand at Walt Disney World Resort. The winter ski lodge-themed park reopened February 15 after completing its own off-season maintenance work.
The timing reflects historical attendance patterns. Winter and early spring typically see lower water park visitation due to cooler Central Florida temperatures, making these months ideal for extended maintenance work that would be more disruptive during peak summer periods. However, spring break season in March and early April can bring significant crowds even to water parks, meaning Blizzard Beach will need to accommodate all aquatic recreation demand during a traditionally busy travel window.
Starting in mid-May, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will operate simultaneously through the summer season, providing guests with two water park options during the period of highest demand. This dual operation continues Disney’s recently restored practice of running both facilities together during peak seasons, a practice that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
What This Means for Spring Visitors
Guests visiting Walt Disney World between mid-February and mid-May will find Blizzard Beach as their only water park option. For families with strong preferences for Typhoon Lagoon’s attractions, particularly the popular wave pool or the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, the closure eliminates those specific experiences from spring itineraries.
Blizzard Beach offers its own signature attractions including Summit Plummet, one of the world’s tallest and fastest water slides, the family raft ride Teamboat Springs, and the kids area Tike’s Peak featuring Frozen theming with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf elements. The park’s winter ski resort aesthetic provides a completely different atmosphere from Typhoon Lagoon’s tropical storm theme.
The closure particularly impacts spring break travelers, who represent a significant portion of March and early April visitation. Families planning Disney vacations during this window should factor the single water park availability into their planning, particularly if water park experiences rank high on their priority lists.
Weather considerations also matter. While Florida’s spring temperatures generally support water park visits, Central Florida can still experience cooler days in February and March that make outdoor water activities less appealing. Typhoon Lagoon already faced several weather-related closures in recent weeks due to unseasonably cool conditions, demonstrating that winter weather can impact operations even when facilities are theoretically open.
Blizzard Beach Seasonal Pass Offers
Disney is offering Blizzard Beach Seasonal Passes providing unlimited visits from February 15 through May 9, 2026, priced at $89 for adults and $83 for children ages 3-9. The passes include several perks beyond basic water park admission.
Pass holders receive 20% off Polar Patios cabana rentals, though the discount applies only to walk-up reservations made upon arrival at the water park rather than advance bookings. Cabanas provide private spaces with seating, shade, and dedicated service, offering premium experiences particularly valuable during crowded spring break periods.
The seasonal pass also includes one complimentary round of miniature golf at either Winter Summerland Miniature Golf or Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf when visiting before 4 p.m. This addition extends value beyond just water park access, incorporating another recreational option into the pass benefits.
Blockout dates apply March 28 through April 5, 2026, corresponding with peak spring break travel when Blizzard Beach expects maximum capacity crowds. Pass holders cannot visit during this window, though the dates represent only eight days within the roughly 12-week validity period.
For frequent visitors or families planning extended Disney World stays during the February-through-May window, the seasonal pass offers significant value compared to regular daily admission, particularly when factoring in the additional perks.
Summer Operations and Hotel Guest Benefits
Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will operate simultaneously beginning May 12, 2026, through the summer season. The dual operation marks the continuation of Disney’s restored pre-pandemic practice of running both water parks together during peak demand periods.
Disney World also announced a returning perk for resort hotel guests. Visitors staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels between May 26 and September 8, 2026, receive complimentary admission to one water park on their check-in day. The benefit adds value to on-property hotel stays during the summer season, potentially offsetting some of the cost increases Disney has implemented across its resort operations.
The free water park admission applies only to check-in day rather than throughout the entire hotel stay, but it provides an additional activity option particularly valuable for guests arriving early in the day with time before hotel rooms become available for occupancy.
New Offerings at Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is introducing Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips to its food offerings at Lottawatta Lodge this spring. While the menu item appears at other Disney World locations, its addition to Blizzard Beach expands quick-service dining options at the water park.
The Frozen-themed Tike’s Peak area continues offering dedicated space for younger guests, featuring an igloo castle and interactive elements with Olaf and Snowgie characters in shallow wading pool areas designed for small children.
Planning Around the Closure
Guests whose Disney World vacations fall during the February 15 through May 11 window should verify Blizzard Beach operating hours before visiting, as water parks sometimes face weather-related closures during cooler months. Checking the official Walt Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for current operating status helps avoid disappointment from unexpected closures.
For visitors who specifically prefer Typhoon Lagoon’s attractions or theming, adjusting travel dates to fall after May 12 ensures access to both water parks. Alternatively, embracing Blizzard Beach as the available option allows spring visitors to experience its unique offerings while avoiding the peak summer crowds that will arrive once both facilities operate simultaneously.
If you’re planning a Disney World trip between now and May, definitely check which water park is actually open before you get your heart set on a specific one. I’ve seen too many families show up expecting Typhoon Lagoon only to discover it’s closed for the season, and that’s a disappointing way to start a vacation day. The seasonal pass for Blizzard Beach might be worth considering if you’re doing a longer trip or live close enough to visit multiple times, especially with those cabana discounts and the miniature golf round thrown in. Just remember those spring break blockout dates if you’re buying one.